Question 1

How much do Concrete Finishers make?

Accepted Answer

Concrete Finishers earn a national median salary of $66,675 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Entry-level Concrete Finishers (10th percentile) earn around $44,792. Experienced professionals (90th percentile) can earn $107,161 or more. The highest-paying states for Concrete Finishers include Alaska ($97K), Hawaii ($96K), and Illinois ($89K).

Question 2

What does a Concrete Finisher do?

Accepted Answer

Prepare, construct, and finish buildings, components, and related structures using compound masonry mixtures of stone, gravel, sand, cement, and water. Common day-to-day tasks include inspect work progress, equipment, or construction sites to verify safety or to ensure that specifications are met, read specifications, such as blueprints, to determine construction requirements or to plan procedures, and supervise, coordinate, or schedule the activities of construction or extractive workers. Concrete Finishers typically work in Commercial construction sites, Residential building sites, Road and highway projects.

Question 3

How long does it take to become a Concrete Finisher?

Accepted Answer

Most Concrete Finisher training programs take 6mo-1.5yr to complete. Programs typically lead to a certificate or diploma and cover hands-on skills needed for entry-level positions. You can search and compare Concrete Finisher programs at TradeSchoolGo to find one that fits your schedule and budget.

Question 4

Is Concrete Finisher a good career?

Accepted Answer

The Concrete Finisher field is projected to see 3.5% job growth, which is about average, with approximately 44,350 job openings annually. Demand can rise with new construction and infrastructure repair projects that require slabs, sidewalks, curbs, and foundations. Growth in commercial and residential building can also increase the need for skilled finishing and form-setting work.

Question 5

What skills do I need to become a Concrete Finisher?

Accepted Answer

Key skills for Concrete Finishers include Concrete finishing techniques (troweling, floating, edging), Form setting and alignment, Reading basic plans and layout measurements, Mixing knowledge and understanding curing conditions, and Safe operation of hand and power tools (screeds, trowels, saws). These skills are developed through formal training programs and on-the-job experience.

Question 6

What is the work environment like for a Concrete Finisher?

Accepted Answer

Concrete Finishers typically work in Commercial construction sites, Residential building sites, Road and highway projects, Sidewalk, curb, and parking lot projects, Industrial facilities and warehouses. Work schedules often vary by weather, project deadlines, and contract duration, with early starts and occasional overtime during pours. This work is physically demanding with long periods of standing and walking, frequent bending, kneeling, and repetitive motions. Handling heavy tools, materials, and vibrating equipment is common, often outdoors in heat or cold.

Question 7

What are the pros and cons of being a Concrete Finisher?

Accepted Answer

Advantages of a Concrete Finisher career include strong hands-on work with visible results, good earning potential with experience and overtime, and skills transfer across many construction projects. Challenges to consider: the Concrete Finisher trade can involve physically tough work with higher risk of strain or injury, outdoor work in harsh weather conditions, and schedule can be unpredictable due to weather and pours.

Question 8

How much does Concrete Finisher school cost?

Accepted Answer

Concrete Finisher training program costs vary depending on the school, location, and program length. Certificate programs are generally less expensive than associate degree programs. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants may be available to help cover costs. Browse and compare Concrete Finisher programs with tuition information on TradeSchoolGo.

Question 9

Can I become a Concrete Finisher without a college degree?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Concrete Finisher careers typically require a certificate or diploma from a trade school or vocational program, not a four-year college degree. Most programs take 6mo-1.5yr to complete and focus on hands-on, practical training. Some Concrete Finishers also enter the field through apprenticeship programs that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

Concrete Finisher

What Concrete Finishers Do

Common Tasks

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

What You'll Learn

Types of Concrete Finishers

Work Environment

Locations

Schedule

Physical Demands

Salary & Job Outlook

Top Paying States

Why Demand May Grow

Skills You'll Need

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Common Questions About the Concrete Finisher Trade

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